50 year history

Ambius’ roots stem back to 1963 when Gerry Leider, a young Chicago entrepreneur, launched Tropical Plant Rentals. In 1975, Tropical Plant Rentals began their expansion into other markets, becoming the leader in the emerging interiorscape industry. In 1988, Tropical Plant Rentals was sold to Rentokil Initial plc, the largest service based organization in the UK. At the time of this acquisition, Tropical Plant Rentals had achieved annual billings of over $30M. The company was renamed Rentokil Tropical Plant Services in 1988 and to Initial Tropical Plants in 2003. On March 24th 2008, Initial Tropical Plants, the leading interior plant company and service provider for the workplace, re-branded to Ambius. Our North American name change follows the global re-branding from Initial Tropical Plants and Rentokil Tropical Plants to Ambius which was launched in 14 countries in 2008.

The name Ambius was created from the word ambience. Our new name came from thinking about people and plants, and our role in creating the very best environment that people can work and relax in. The five leaf shapes of the Ambius leaf icon represent the five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. We believe an Ambius environment can stimulate people’s senses to inspire ideas, improve health and lift moods. While our ‘roots’ are clearly in beautifying work environments with plants, our new name reflects our expanded vision to enhance the total workplace environment and our ever expanding capabilities as the premiere provider of enhancing the quality of the work experience by engaging all five senses.

1963 - Tropical Plant Rentals

Tropical Plant Rentals is founded by Gerry Leider in Chicago.

1975 - Expansion

Tropical Plant Rentals expands into 20+ markets.

1988 - Rentokil

Tropical Plant Rentals is sold to Rentokil.

1996 - Rentokil Initial

Initial joins Rentokil to form Rentokil Initial.

2000 - Trugreen

Trugreen is acquired; doubling size of the company overnight!

2003 - Initial Tropical Plants

In North America, Tropical Plant Rentals changes it's name to Initial Tropical Plants.